By 2.748 miles long (4,423 metres), the ‘Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto’ permanent track first entered the motor racing hemisphere in 1985.
Last weekend, it hosted the final round of ESBK (Campeonato de Espana de Superbike) supported by Finale of Bagger Racing League European Cup.
Finnish ace Ville Valtonen (current twelfth fastest Jarno Saarinen Circuit Imatra exponent – debutant at Nordic nation’s top road race in 2022) progress before qualifying and ESBK races, was-hindered thanks to engine problems after practice.
Despite this, ‘Valdo’ (top five finisher from ESR Superbike races at Imatranajo in July) went onto become 2026 ESBK Superstock 1000 (inter-twined with SBK class during the season) Championship runner-up.
Another roads scene experienced star, also known for IDM/EWC Superbike exploits, twenty-seven years old Croatian rider, Martin ‘Spidermartin’ Vugrinec (2017, 2018 600cc Prize of Krizevci podium finisher) premiered in the Bagger Racing League European Cup (P2 – Race 1 / P3 – Race 2) astride Harley-Davidson Road Glide exotica by Johnny Maracas Bagger Racing Team.
2026 European Bagger Racing Champion is Italian rider Andrea Tomio whilst the series also featured this year, former World Superbike front-runner Ruben Xaus, 2003 World Endurance Champion James Ellison (fifth overall) and Portugal’s most recent TT Races competitor Andre Pires (non-starter at Jerez).
We end this article with a reminder about the Spanish racing gem, ‘Gran Premio Ciudad De La Baneza’ which celebrates next year in August, its’ 66th Anniversary.
This year’s meeting saw two Manx GP participants racing, Victor Ortega Perez and Victor Lopez Santos (Spain’s first MGP winner – 2013 Junior Race).
Both have represented Spain strongly in recent times on Isle of Man shores alongside the late, great Raul Torras Martinez (still Spain’s fastest Mountain Course exponent).
Photo credit: Michael Wincott
Words by Jan Vavra
